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Book Collection in Langsdale Library Supports UB's Forensic Accounting Program

The University of Baltimore's Langsdale Library is the new home of a unique collection of books covering areas of interest in the field of forensic accounting—a program available in UB's Merrick School of Business—thanks to a donation by the Maryland chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. The collection, believed to be only the second of its kind in the nation, according to library officials, was officially dedicated during a brief ceremony on May 13 in Langsdale Library, 1420 Maryland Ave.

The "fraud library" features about 200 books, covering criminology and ethics, financial transactions and fraud schemes, fraud investigation, fraud prevention and deterrence, professional and career development in forensic accounting, and legal elements of fraud. The public will have access to the collection, which is integrated within the circulating collection on the third floor of the library.

Forensic accounting is an important part of an aggressive effort by the accounting profession to track and resolve fraudulent activity, whether it occurs in a small business or a transnational corporation, said Ed Kemery, associate professor in the business school and program director for its graduate certificate in forensic accounting.

"The acquisition of these library holdings will be invaluable, not only to our students and faculty, but also to our region's anti-fraud professionals," Kemery said. "This gracious donation from ACFE-MD is a terrific complement to the Merrick School of Business's Anti-Fraud Educational Partnership with the national ACFE, which has provided us with teaching materials for strengthening our fraud courses. We are well-positioned to offer the very best education to prepare our students for successful fraud-fighting careers. We are extremely grateful for the support shown to us by the ACFE."

Added Phil Korb, associate professor and chair of the accounting department in the business school, "With the advent of new legislation and regulation of our nation's financial system, it's clear that the need for accountants and other professionals in the forensic accounting area will only increase. Many of our students are serving internships with government agencies, with accounting firms and law firms. In these roles, they often conduct fraud investigations and provide litigation support in the conduct of fraud cases. This is a growing field, and it's very important work."

Langsdale plans to leverage this collection to grow its resources in greater support of forensic accounting, also acquiring key journals and electronic resources in the area of forensic accounting, said Lucy Holman, director of Langsdale Library and associate professor in science, information arts and technologies.

"Using the ACFE materials as a foundation, we will work closely with faculty to build a robust collection that supports this growing field," Holman said.